Altara

 

Geography

 

Map

   

Valan Valley

The Valan Valley is a vast, fertile valley framed by two massive mountain ranges, the Dragonmaw Peaks. An ancient magical ritual grants the region a perfect climate, making it a paradise for its inhabitants. The Silverbrook River flows through the valley, providing water to the surrounding settlements. Dense forests and fertile fields dominate the landscape, while the mountains are feared as the home of dragons.

 

Shattered Reaches

The Shattered Reaches are an island chain south of the Valan Valley, formed by an ancient catastrophe. Many of the islands are volcanic in origin, covered in dense forests and hidden pirate harbors. The waters around the Reaches are treacherous, making them a favored hideout for freebooters and adventurers. Numerous magical artifacts from ancient times draw treasure hunters to this dangerous region.

 

Magical Wastelands

The magical wastelands of the Nyxaris Dominion are a ruined and eerie region in western Altara, scarred by the remnants of the Arcane Wars. The landscape is a mix of barren plains, sickly forests, and magic-tainted zones where the laws of reality are often broken. The destructive power of the superweapons once unleashed here has left the land forever marked. The wastelands are riddled with mysterious and dangerous magical phenomena, and only the exotic peoples of the Nyxaris Dominion, such as the Hexblood and Shadar-Kai, have learned to survive in this unforgiving land.

 

Altari Expanse

The Altari Expanse is the region surrounding the city of Äon. To the north, it borders the relentless dunes of the desert, while to the south lies the great Aether Sea. Once the heart of the Altarian Empire, the expanse and its surroundings are now strewn with the ruins of a long-lost civilization. Magical artifacts and relics of the Altari can still be discovered here, and the proximity to Äon makes the region a hub for archaeologists and mages eager to rediscover the lost knowledge of the Altari.

 

Gloommarshes

The Gloommarshes are an endless swampy region in northern Altara. It rains almost continuously, and the land is covered with murky bogs and thick mists. Countless monsters and dangerous creatures roam the swamps, and the few settlements that exist here are often surrounded by natural threats. Only the bravest or most desperate souls dare to venture into this region.

 

Dunes of Scroath

The central deserts of Altara, known as the Dunes of Scroath, stretch across a nearly continent-sized expanse. They are known for their scorching heat and endless sand dunes. In the heart of this desert lies the great salt lake Zahrokh, whose inflow surprisingly delivers fresh water. Only a few oasis cities exist here, and survival in this region requires great skill and adaptability.

 

The Great Divide

The Great Divide is a colossal mountain range that nearly encircles the Dunes of Scroath. These mountains form a natural barrier between the central desert and the more fertile regions that surround it. The peaks are tall and jagged, often capped with snow, while the slopes are steep and treacherous, making them difficult to traverse. Only a few mountain passes provide access to the desert, and the region is renowned for its dangerous cliffs and harsh environment. In the remote valleys of the Great Divide, only scattered tribes and mountain folk dwell, having adapted to the inhospitable terrain.

 

Tempestwild Peninsula

The Tempestwild Peninsula lies in southeastern Altara and is known for its unpredictable magic. The landscape is constantly shifting—forests grow and die in mere days, rivers shift course, and mountains rise and fall. This is a region where the magic of the world itself acts chaotically, and few dare to settle here.

 

Mourning Plains

The Mourning Plains are a bleak and cursed region in southeastern Altara. Once fertile, an ancient curse has turned the land into a barren, desolate plain, shrouded by eerie winds and dark clouds. Abandoned ruins and ghostly apparitions dominate the landscape, and only the desperate or insane dare to live here. The cities of Ravenmoor and Duskport are the last remaining settlements in this darkness-filled region.

 

Fluxwilds

The Fluxwilds in southern Altara are a region filled with chaotic magical energies. The landscape constantly shifts, with forests growing and disappearing within days, and mountains suddenly rising from the ground only to vanish just as quickly. This region is notorious for its unpredictable weather and the constant fluctuation of natural laws. Coastal cities like Flickerport and Everchange have adapted to the constant movement of their surroundings, offering a safe haven for travelers and adventurers seeking to explore the magical chaos.

 

Skaldriven Archipelago

The Skaldriven Archipelago lies northwest of the Gloommarshes and consists of a group of cold, storm-battered islands. The main island is rugged and rocky, with snow-covered mountains whipped by icy winds. The dwarves of the city of Trelgrim have settled here, enduring the harsh conditions. Few venture into this region, which is known for its unforgiving winters and treacherous sea routes. The archipelago is also famous for its cliff faces and caves, which may hold ancient secrets.

 

The Rift

The Rift is the sea that separates the Shattered Reaches from the Fluxwilds. Its turbulent waters are known for strong magical currents and dangerous storms. Many ships have been lost in these waters, and countless legends speak of creatures lurking in the depths.

 

Environment

 

Fauna

Altara is home to a diverse and often extremely dangerous wildlife. In the Shattered Reaches and along the coastal waters, giant sea serpents and aggressive creatures like the feared krakens threaten pirates and sailors. In the Valan Valley, however, more peaceful creatures such as majestic griffins and giant stags roam the forests. In the Dunes of Scroath, highly adapted creatures like sandworms and desert hydras have evolved to survive the blistering heat. The Gloommarshes are home to monstrous species like giant turtles and terrifying bog beasts, making the already dangerous region even more treacherous. But the most dangerous of all are the dragons, who make their homes in the Drachenkiefer Mountains, terrorizing both the valley and the surrounding areas.

 

Flora

The vegetation of Altara varies greatly between regions. In the Valan Valley, dense forests of ancient trees and exotic plants thrive, constantly blooming thanks to the magical climate. Magical herbs and rare plants like the glowing moonfern can be found here, often used in alchemy. In the Shattered Reaches, wild jungle-like vegetation dominates, often impenetrable and hiding ruins of past civilizations. On the Tempestwild Peninsula, plants have adapted to the ever-shifting magical conditions—trees grow to towering heights overnight, and flowers change colors and forms depending on the surrounding magic. In the Dunes of Scroath, flora is sparse, but there are resilient, magic-resistant plants like the desert lotus, which grows in hidden oases and is a valuable resource. The Gloommarshes are filled with swampy vegetation and poisonous plants, posing a constant danger to adventurers and travelers.

 

Society

 

Politics

 

The Caladian Empire

The Caladian Empire is the largest power on Altara, controlling the Valan Valley and the Shattered Reaches. It is a realm ruled by an alliance of humans, dwarves, and elves, who have united their forces to maintain the stability of the empire. The capital, Caladorn, is a magnificent center of trade and politics, and the empire is regarded as the bastion of civilization on the continent.

 

Nyxaris Dominion

To the west lies the grim Nyxaris Dominion, a realm of Hexblood and other dark creatures who rule over the magical wastelands. The dominion is a land of darkness and chaos, where the laws of reality are often bent by ancient, magical energies. The capital, Kaz’rath, is a center of arcane power, where dark mages and witches pull the strings.

 

Äon

The city of Äon, once the heart of the mighty Altari Empire, now rises above the ruins of its predecessors. Today, it is a city torn apart by corruption and political intrigue. The High Council that governs the city is embroiled in constant power struggles, while treasure hunters and mages scour the ruins of the old city, seeking the lost knowledge of the Altari.

 

History

Altara was once the sanctuary of the goddess Altara, the guardian of knowledge and wisdom, who shielded the continent from destruction after the Primordial War with a powerful barrier. During this time, the Altari Empire flourished, a realm of legendary builders and scholars. The Altari used their unparalleled knowledge and magic to construct vast cities like Äon and created powerful magical artifacts and constructs like the Æonforged.

  However, their boundless ambition led to the Arcane Wars, a devastating conflict that ravaged much of the continent and ultimately brought about the downfall of the Altari. Äon fell, and few of the Altari survived. The magical wastelands stand as a testament to the catastrophic forces unleashed during this war. While most of the Altari vanished, they left behind a legacy of forgotten ruins and powerful artifacts that continue to shape the fate of the continent.

  In the modern era, the Caladian Empire dominates much of Altara, particularly the Valan Valley and the Shattered Reaches. But it is not the only power. The dark Nyxaris Dominion looms over the magical wastelands and stands as the empire’s greatest rival. Äon, once the glorious capital of the Altari, is now a place of political intrigue and treasure hunters seeking the knowledge of their ancestors. Between these three powers, smaller duchies and city-states struggle for their place, while the shadow of the past still looms over the land.